FAQ's

The festival runs for four fun-filled days, typically starting before St. Patrick's Day. 

Events and activities generally run throughout the day and into the evening.

• Day 1 (Friday): Events usually kick off in the evening, with walking tours and ticketed performances starting around 6:30 pm and live music continuing late.
• Day 2 & 3 (Saturday & Sunday): Daytime activities, workshops, and markets often start around 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. Live music and street performances continue through the afternoon and into the evening.

Day 4 (Monday – St. Patrick's Day): The main St. Patrick's Day Parade starts at 1:00 pm sharp. Daytime workshops and the city fairground typically begin around 10:00 am to 12:00 pm.

The full schedule detailing locations and specific times for each day can be found on the festival's dedicated Programme of Events page.

Waterford City is easily accessible. Many of the festival events and the parade route take place in the central area, including the Quays, John Robert's Square, and the Applemarket. The St. Patrick's Day Parade begins near the Waterford Bus Station, placing the starting point in the heart of the city.

On St. Patrick's Day (Monday, March 17th):

• City Car Parks: Most city car parks will be unaffected, providing the best option for parking.
• Quay Parking: Parking within the main Quay car parks will be available but may close approximately one hour before the 1:00 pm parade starts and will reopen once the all-clear is given by Event Control.

Note: Roads along the parade route (including sections of the Quays and The Mall) will be closed for the parade. It is advised to use outer city car parks or arrive early.

The city centre offers an array of dining choices. During the festival, you can expect:

• A City Centre Fairground (John Robert's Square) which typically offers traditional festival food and treats.
• A Food and Drinks Market (Check the Programme for location).
• Plenty of late-night entertainment and live music in venues like the Applemarket and Itty Bittys, which are surrounded by restaurants, pubs, and cafes.
• Specific ticketed events like whiskey tasting workshops and special brunches may also be on offer.

Places to Explore/Activities:

• Culture & Heritage: Explore Waterford Cultural Quarter (WCQ), see the illumination of the city walls and monuments (Waterford Goes Green), and check out the Deise Medieval re-enactment.
• Tours: Take a Walking Tour of Waterford to learn about the city's history, or hop on an Osprey Viking Cruise to see the city from the River Suir.
• Active Fun: Take a self-guided tour of the Urban Greenway, or enjoy the City Centre Fairground and family fun activities in John Robert's Square.

Places to Eat & Drink:

• The city centre has a wide selection of restaurants and pubs to choose from, often featuring live music during the festival weekend. Look for venues around the Applemarket and John Robert's Square.

Places to Stay:

• A variety of hotels and B&Bs are available across the city. Hotels such as the Viking Hotel Waterford are often highlighted as a good base for the festival. It is highly recommended to book accommodation well in advance.